Cupolone della Basilica di San Pietro

Panoramic Point Rome, Italy

Not that many visitors know that it is possible to climb up to the top of St Peter’s dome (the “cupola”). Actually getting on top of St Peter’s dome is one of Rome must do, and a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic and dizzying city panorama all around Rome and to admire a top-down view of St Peter’s basilica nave.

The dome is the symbol of the Church of Rome and the “beacon” that draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the heart of Christianity. It was created by Michelangelo starting in 1546, during the papacy of Paul III, but it was interrupted upon Michelangelo’s death, at the height of the work. 15 years later, with Sixtus V, Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana were ordered to continue with the work for which they were given a lot of resources. As a result, after only 22 months, the work was finished, an event which was celebrated with a solemn mass and fireworks. In the following years, the facing and the lead lining were completed, and the golden bronze sphere, culminating in a cross, was placed.